Short wedding dresses are having a moment! Short wedding dresses have been popular as a second dress or reception dress for a long time now.

With the rise of smaller weddings and elopements, they are becoming the one and only dress choice for so many!

The mini wedding dress with a long veil is a huge trend we are loving!

The thing is, it is easier to pull off a short dress. Not super short but the midi length is so flattering that I can see why it is becoming the go-to choice!

groom and bride in short wedding dress
Photo + planning by Jordan Jankun Photography with florals by Tame Florals and dress from JJP Dress Rentals

Different lengths of short wedding dresses

  • Mini Wedding Dress – Super short just past the bum to above the knee
  • Knee Length – just above or below the knee
  • Tea Length – just after the knee and a little lower
  • Midi Wedding Dress – between the knee and ankle but usually lower

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Mini wedding dresses

The IT dress of 2023! We love a bridal mini here at Urban, the perfect city elopement wedding dress. Or a fun reception second dress.

Head to our bridal mini wedding dress blog for even more stunning options.

1. SHORT TURTLENECK WEDDING DRESS – 16 ARLINGTON

There is just something so stunning about a short turtleneck dress. They are stylish and fun and give retro 70s vibes. 

Size: UK6 – 14  | Fabric: Satin  | Neckline: Tutrle | Length: Mini | Silhouette: A-Line

2. BEST SHORT HALTER NECK DRESS

Odylyne The Ceremony

This short halter dress is definitely for the fun, light-hearted bride. Perfect for an elopement or courthouse wedding. Definitely made for dancing the night away with a tent silhouette you just have to twirl!

Size: 2 – 20 | Fabric: Silk | Neckline: Halter | Length: Mini | Silhouette: Tent

3. MINI SHIFT DRESS – Asos

The best if looking for a short non-traditional wedding dress.

Why not do something daring, unexpected, and creative with this ASOS Edition mini dress that will make you stand out!

The bow detail on the back adds that extra wow when walking down the aisle.

knee length wedding dresses

4. Best high neck knee length – Coast

I love this regal high neck tiered tulle knee length wedding dress.

5. For the older bride – Coast

The perfect look for any age. I think this one is great for an older bride looking for something elegant.

6. Best Champagne – Needle & Thread

This soft champagne short wedding dress is perfect for a romantic look.

tea-length wedding dresses

7. simple tea length wedding dress – Coast

The design is simple on this dress but the stiff silk fabric is the star. It gives it great structure and shape.

8. High Neck tea length – BHLDN

I love this dress, the high neck, and the stunning lace. But most of all, it is transformable. The lace bodice comes off leaving a strapless dress.

9. Best Puff Sleeve – Odylyne

Puff sleeves are all the rage! I love these long sleeve versions, with the ruffles all the way down!

midi wedding dresses

10. Best lace midi- Self Portrait

How pretty is his lace midi wedding dress? It would make the perfect courthouse summer wedding dress.

11. Best cape midi wedding dress – Roksanda

How stunning is the waterfall cape sleeve on this dress?

12. Best sleeve detail – Carly Cushnie

I love the sleeve detail on this dress! They add a modern twist to a simple wedding dress design.

Styling a short wedding dress

Shoes with a short wedding dress

When wearing a short wedding dress the main accessory to think about is shoes. You still want something that will be comfy all day but they will be on show so need to look good and match your dress.

You can go for a fun pop of color or keep it simple with a white pair. Heels are a good choice, legs always look better in heels. Make sure you will be comfy if wearing them though. You don’t want to be hurting all day.

Veils with short wedding dress

A big trend right now is a mini wedding dress and a long veil. It looks cool and modern and I am loving the look right now.

But for some finding the right veil with a short dress can be tricky! If unsure keep it shorter than the dress. The best way to decide though is to try on all the different lengths with your dress, take pics and then see which one you like the look of.

Head to our stying a short wedding dress guide for lots more helpful tips from the experts.